The Nation Is Now Being Given A Starter Course Of The Third Term Issue- Laura Miti
Laura Miti has raised concerns over what she describes as a possible long term plan by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to pave the way for President Hakainde Hichilema to seek a third term in office.
In a Facebook post, Ms Miti argued that the ruling party could be laying the groundwork for such an agenda following the passage of Bill 7.
She drew comparisons between the UPND’s approach and the Patriotic Front’s controversial Bill 10, arguing that the ruling party had adopted a different strategy to secure constitutional changes that previously faced public resistance.
Ms Miti also questioned the inclusion of proportional representation in the constitutional amendments, suggesting that it could increase the ruling party’s influence in Parliament through MPs whose political positions may depend on the party’s continued support.
She further argued that provisions aimed at increasing the representation of women, youths and persons with disabilities could have helped make the proposed changes more acceptable to the public.
According to Ms Miti, the passage of Bill 7 could be part of a broader political strategy, with the debate over President Hichilema’s possible third-term bid potentially becoming the next major constitutional controversy.
She concluded by questioning whether Zambians would accept such a political direction, asking whether the nation would ultimately allow itself to be drawn into the proposed agenda.
Her remarks have brought renewed attention to the debate surrounding constitutional amendments, parliamentary representation and Zambia’s presidential term limits.